Round after round, students demonstrated focus, confidence, and impressive vocabulary skills.
The competition intensified during the final three rounds, when a friendly sibling rivalry unfolded between eighth-grader Durrat-us-Sharaf Zaki (right) and her younger sister, sixth-grader Umme-Haani Zaki. The audience watched as the bee stretched to 14 challenging rounds.
Durrat ultimately secured the championship by correctly spelling the final word, “coven.” She will go on to represent Ira Jones Middle School at the Will County Spelling Bee on March 17 at Lincoln-Way West High School.
Tobenna Amadi, sixth grade, and eighth-grader Mason Jakubiak also delivered strong performances, tying for third place.
(Amadi and Jakubiak not pictured).
Congratulations to seventh-grader Aisha Chavda (holding trophy) on winning the Timber Ridge Middle School Spelling Bee on Janaury 13. Jayden Archuleta, seventh grade, (left) won second place and eighth-grader Dreux Willams won third place.
District 202 HBCU Event at Plainfield North High School – Feb. 24
Plainfield North High School will host its annual District 202 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Event on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. in the Plainfield North High School Cafeteria.
This marks the eighth year of the District’s HBCU event and is open to all District 202 high school students interested in learning more about HBCUs, with programming geared toward students in grades 9–11.
The event will feature representatives from multiple colleges, along with community and social organizations dedicated to supporting students and families.
Please review the attached flyer for additional event details and registration information.
For questions, contact Elaina Kalantzis, College and Career Counselor at Plainfield North High School, at (815) 609-8506 ext. 7264 or ekalantz@psd202.org.
🗞Check it out! 🗞
District 202 was highlighted in the January Illinois State Board of Education ConneCTEd newsletter for our partnership with the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration gives District 202 students real-world learning experiences and career connections through the INCubator program preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
✨Want to know more about the INCubator program?✨
Visit, https://sites.google.com/psd202.org/incubator202/home
#202proud INCubatoredu by Uncharted Learning, NFP
✨☂ Practically perfect in every way 🎶✨
Ira Jones Middle School is bringing the magic of “Mary Poppins Jr.” to the stage this weekend, featuring talented student performers and crew members in a heartwarming story filled with unforgettable songs, lively choreography, and imagination.
Where: Plainfield North High School
Showtimes:
• Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, January 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $8 - available at the door or online at https://irajonesdrama.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events
Photo credit: Jennifer Heim Photography
✨New paid internship opportunities now available✨
For the first time, District 202 has partnered with the Will County Center for Economic Development to offer paid, hands-on summer internships for high school students.
This opportunity allows students to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and build skills for the future in Will County.
✅Applications are now open, with a deadline of February 20, 2026.
💻Learn more and apply: https://willcountyced.com/will-county-summer-internship-program/
John F. Kennedy Middle School choir and band students performed Christmas music on December 12 for Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center students and upstairs at the District 202 Administration Center. #202proud See a video of the performance https://youtube.com/shorts/_s18OlKjLFs
Thanks to these Plainfield High School-Central Campus National Honor Society members for coming to the December 17 Board of Education meeting. #202proud
🎶❄️ Frosty fun at the District Office ❄️🎶
Watch as Bonnie McBeth Learning Center preschoolers bring smiles and holiday cheer to the District Office while singing “Frosty the Snowman” in their holiday best.
Their sweet voices and joyful spirit make the season feel extra magical. Thank you for spreading holiday cheer!
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wBFJ-qeSsTY?si=iSnwWsiuVYPNEKYv🎄✨
This student-driven podcast features rotating hosts and a variety of school-related topics! https://wmes.psd202.org/o/wmes/article/2581353
Crystal Lawns Elementary School kindergartners hopped on the Polar Express to experience this winter classic story. Each year, Dawn Alexander, Media Center Specialist, and Theresa Dopheide, Media Clerk, transform the media center into the North Pole. Alexandar and Dopheide not only read the book, but turn the experience into an interactive adventure. #202proud
We are #202proud of River View Elementary School fourth-grader and Boy Scout Nathan Mottl, who spearheaded a Treat for Troops initiative at River View. He pitched the idea to Principal Kelly Gregoire, created a flyer, and promoted the collection during daily announcements. The River View community did not disappoint! Nathan collected more than 150 pounds to be sent to current military members and veterans!
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center preschoolers at Ridge Elementary School had their very own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 20 and 21.
Young marchers, big smiles, and plenty of cheer, our little stars marched their hearts out around the school, spreading holiday joy to everyone along the route.
